Fisheries Off West Coast States; List of Authorized Fisheries and Gear

This action updates the Federal list of authorized fisheries and gear issued under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA, at 16 U.S.C. 1855(a)). The List of Fisheries includes a description of fisheries allowed to operate in the U.S. West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council's) geographic area of authority. This action is necessary because the prior list was outdated and either included several fisheries that no longer occur, or did not include fisheries that do occur, within the U.S. West Coast EEZ.  This rule brings the list up to date with current West Coast fisheries and fishery management plans and particularly restricts the use of small net mesh gear types that could compromise the effectiveness of the Council’s conservation and management efforts under the MSA.